
This is often due to things like sample or other support files that simply don’t need to change version-to-version.

While that’s no longer the case with recent Windows versions (a hidden partition is now more commonly used), manufacturers and others still occasionally keep a duplicate copy of the operating system installation media on the hard disk. In older versions of Windows, the original installation source was duplicated in a folder called “I386”.When such changes are detected, the files are restored from duplicate copies. System File Protection is a technology that monitors system files for unexpected changes, often due to malware.Many of the files that make up Windows have duplicate copies. Windows protects youĪnother common source of duplicate files on your computer is Windows itself.
OLD VERSIONS OF DUPLICATE FILE CLEANER INSTALL
The net result is that program “B” could be broken.Īs a result, most programs now carry and install their own copy of many libraries and support files, so as to remain in control of their own destiny.ĭuplicate files on your hard drive result. The problem with the first approach is that program “A” could be uninstalled, or updated, and somehow change or remove the shared library. Each program installs its own copy of the library.A single copy of the library could be installed in a common location, so that both programs can use it.If program “B” also uses this exact same library, there are two approaches that could be taken: This happens quite legitimately for a variety of reasons, which mostly boil down to programs not wanting to put themselves at risk due to the bad behaviors of other programs.įor example, program “A” installs a copy of a library of shared code.
OLD VERSIONS OF DUPLICATE FILE CLEANER SOFTWARE
Done incorrectly, you can quickly render your computer unbootable.ĭuplicate files happen for a number of reasons, and surprisingly, what you and I do isn’t at the top of the list of the most common causes.Īs I mentioned in a previous article, it’s not at all uncommon to have multiple copies – often identical copies – of files that are used by the software installed on your machine. First let me say this: I strongly advise against blindly deleting duplicate files.
